Laura Williams: Writing for the Real World

Dec 19, 2024

Laura Williams, a ghostwriter and managing editor at the American Institute for Economic Research, dives into the crucial discussion on writing's role in today's AI-driven world. She highlights writing as a tool for self-discovery and credibility, while addressing the alarming decline in writing standards in American education. Williams critiques reliance on AI in writing, emphasizes the need for more engaging assignments, and offers strategies for parents to nurture a love for writing in children, advocating for clarity and creativity over rigid formats.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 4min

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AI and the Future of Literary Engagement

03:48 • 10min

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The Impact of AI on Student Writing

13:49 • 10min

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The Mechanics of Performative Writing and Rhetorical Reasoning

23:31 • 6min

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The Dynamics of the Five-Paragraph Essay in Education

29:03 • 3min

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Redefining Academic Writing

31:59 • 22min

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Reimagining Writing Education

Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck. It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members. The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society.

On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

This book is both a memoir and a writing guide. It details Stephen King's life, from his childhood and early writing endeavors to his struggles with addiction and his near-fatal accident in 1999. The book is divided into sections that cover King's life ('C. V. '), the nature of writing ('What Writing Is'), writing mechanics ('Toolbox'), his advice on the craft ('On Writing'), and his recovery from the accident ('On Living: A Postscript'). King offers practical tips on writing, including the importance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, as well as the need for consistent writing routines and ruthless editing. He emphasizes that good writing comes from within, driven by curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives.

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from Pencey Prep, as he spends three days wandering around New York City. The novel explores Holden's disillusionment with the world around him, his feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and his struggle to find genuine relationships. Despite his cynicism and criticism of others as 'phonies,' Holden reveals a deep emotional sensitivity, particularly in his interactions with his younger sister Phoebe. The book delves into themes of adolescent angst, the loss of innocence, and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly superficial world.

Bird by Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

Politics and the English Language

George Orwell

In 'Politics and the English Language', George Orwell argues that vague and imprecise language can obscure truth and manipulate public opinion. He critiques the 'ugly and inaccurate' written English of his time, particularly in political contexts, where language is used to 'make lies sound truthful and murder respectable'. Orwell emphasizes the importance of clear and concrete language, suggesting that poor writing fosters poor political thinking and is a danger to society. He provides examples of bad writing and offers guidelines for effective writing, including six rules to avoid the misuse of language. Orwell believes that language and thought are interdependent and that improving language can help improve political life.

Laura Williams is a ghostwriter, editor, and the current managing editor at the American Institute for Economic Research.

In this episode, we explore the many cases for teaching writing in today's social media and AI-driven world: as a form of self-discovery, a way of building credibility, a tool for developing and refining thoughts, and a means of joining the historical conversation around ideas. We also address the declining writing standards in American education and discuss how parents can nurture a love of writing for their children

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

4:26 - Cheating with AI

8:22 - Cultivating a "Good" Assignment for Students?

14:40 - What is Being Lost When Using AI to Replace Writing?

17:31 - Teaching for the Real World

21:59 - What is "Good" Writing

28:38 - The Five Paragraph Essay

32:04 - Moving Beyond Academic Overtone in Writing

36:30 - The Paramedic Method of Editing

38:18 - The Case for Writing

47:22 - Using Writing to Grapple with Other People's Thinking